eurokie

^ Agree about the community college appearance... and also agreed on no disrespect toward community colleges. :| Next highest bid was 19 though

Think it's called Hudson, not to restart that comparison!

I'm also curious as to this, considering that Geis is also going forward with developing the mayor's Lakefront vision?

If recent dealings are any indication, this is good because we should be prying historic buildings out of the school district's control at any cost.

The tower's East 9th Street frontage is a blank canvass practically. I'm really excited about what could be done around there. This could be really cool.

Just before we begin, I know many of you guys are critical about the true urban value of Crocker Park, but I am actually moderately surprised that the RTA is accommodated within their confines and also with the amount of housing. Should have been built around a Rapid station, but it wasn't. Sorry these are so long delayed but I figure now is a better time to post these in light of the "Happy Holidays" banners in all of these pics, unless the Holiday they were referring to was Halloween. And no, I'm not just taking a photo of the same street/building from 3-4 different angles. It all just really looks like sameness. And what once was, and still is...behind the parking lot:

That's true- it's always risky to slow things down. But on the flip side, had UCI and Case mobilized to develop some of the earlier proposals for the Uptown site, we would have had development sooner, but it would have been much crappier (think grass setbacks, no retail). Ultimately, a lot will depend on seeing Finch's specific plans. Every indication right now is that Finch is excited to do an urban development that will strengthen the Chester corridor and tie it into "Greater UC." The market is very uncertain and I agree with the rationale that IF this development is well-designed (the site plan looks good), then we have a very brief window of economic clouds-parting to take advantage of in order to get this project done. If it's going to take Case (which is probably worried about housing competition) and the Clinic (which as stated above has plundered its surrounding urban context for parking lots) several months to explicitly state what their gripe is, then we should just move along, nothing to see here.

The renderings are sexy at least.

Yes but I had to leave for a class, someone texted me the outcome though. Not really a big surprise... Cleveland needs more developers who are enthusiastic about well-planned projects.

Planning Commission green lights... Moving forward

Sounds like someone who went to Case... :wink:

So if it only costed $3.99 to renovate the church, would that also be an absurd amount? If you ask me, calling $1 million absurd is... absurd.

I don't exactly think First and Main is in the same league with the enormity of Crocker Park, even if you include Hudson's historic downtown drag. While I haven't been out to Hudson yet to be honest, Crocker is very impressive even in a day and age that lifestyle centers have popped up like weeds across the country. It could have been a LOT more ideal, but I'm not sure if interacting with the 6-lane boulevard that passes it would have accomplished that. It should have been built around a rapid stop, but at least the RTA buses are allowed in - most other shopping malls don't.

Even though T.J. Dow didn't comment, it looks like he's shepherding this process along to get the resolution through ASAP. I don't think Joel Ratner's monkey wrench is turning out to be a very significant one. Surely the last name Ratner, not that extremely common of a surname, isn't just a coincidence in this city...

How is $1 million an absurd amount of money to renovate?? If you're wanting something for nothing, I guess it is..

How about "Don't Lorain my Clifton" for a campaign?

Cudell and it's people might as well be stuck in 1974. They don't comprehend making the neighborhood livable for the future. They want to celebrate success stories of the "now", like a new sign at Constantino's, or a rehabbed gas station EZ Mart. You can try posting something your opposition on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/152391705199/?ref=ts&fref=ts But true to their time warp, Cudell doesn't understand social media and will promptly delete anything "negative" or against their intentions. They are also seeking nominations for the board if you're interested. ;) Who exactly are the stakeholders that are keeping the Cudell Improvement District stuck in 1974? This is Chris Ronayne's neighborhood. I live just across 117 in Lakewood, as does KJP. Don't tell me there aren't progressive types that live around here. A lot of people chose the Lakewood/Edgewater border region because it is fairly nice, historic, and urban. We like walking from our house, to the rapid or bus stop to go downtown, and then pick up a few groceries on our walk back home. If this is the way that the Cudell CDC is, then I really question who is being served and represented by the Cudell CDC. How do you have a CDC that doesn't encourage democratic, community, grass-roots planning? I've never really seen a "bad CDC" until now. Sure, some could be better - but none do things that are truly wrongheaded. All of their staff and directors, volunteers, stakeholders, etc. - are all going to the same seminars, right?? My lanta..

Wait, the CDC is doing this? If so, what exactly is the matter with the Cudell/Edgewater CDC? CDC's should be about urban, walkable, neighborhood-oriented development. Something has gone horrifically awry here.

I may have missed this, but what's wrong with the Johnny Mango's building to begin with? I don't understand why even bother building a crappy 1-story retail strip when there is already a fine 1-story retail strip that is much nicer than anything that would be built today.

When was it running after 12:30 a.m.? Pretty sure it went till 2?

It's been a fun few weeks for the RTA press secretary. I can't help but wonder if this is why the Rapid has been stopping after 12:30 lately, as well...

These pics kinda got warehoused, apologies for the delay.. To illustrate the need of bringing the Shoreway down to grade... The WHD Constantino's is a supremely awesome store...Hope they still do well post-Heinen's The first pic gets the Stonebridge condos, whereas this one really illustrates what's prob a 100 ft drop Horrible restaurant Whyyyy is this street always so dead Should have turned this into Toby Keith's redneck honky tonk An eyesore entry way to what should be a grand promenade Flats West Bank "skyline" Flats East Bank "skyline" HORRIBLE intersection WHD "skyline" Hope you enjoyed.

Great set MayDay, amazing vantage point, too..

I wrote my letter and definitely plan to be there on Friday. Don't forget to remind us again what time/room, etc., and I'll see if I can get others to come.

Some of these get repetitive, just from times that Tower City looked particularly good, or I was already walking down an area taking photos, etc.. but here are a few downtown photos I have taken over the past few months. The point of most photos is to either show density, interesting angles, or street life.. Sax! Hope you enjoyed. Coming up: Lakewood/west burbs, Cleveland Heights/University Circle, and various around town. Maybe I'll just merge all that into one actually. There's also a WHD set that I may also merge with some more downtown shots.. If anyone has some tips for great modern/historic clash downtown, let me know!